asked whether, seeing that the committee of inquiry into Irish education has decided to sit in private, excluding the Press from its sittings, and that on this account the teachers have refused to give evidence before it, he will give directions that further expenses will not be paid if the inquiry is continued in private?

The mode of conducting their proceedings is a matter for the Committee, and the course suggested by the hon. Member is not one that could be adopted.

May I ask whether in his recollection of Commissions of Inquiry the right hon. Gentleman has known of any conducted as this is—privately?

I should not like to answer that question at a moment's notice, but it is perfectly certain the Commission had the power of saying whether it would sit in public or private.